Study Compares Strengths of Asian and Australian Banks

Banks based within Asia and Australia are crossing over more frequently, according to a study by East & Partners, which attempts to assess how well they stack up against each other.

The Australia-based banking market research and analysis firm reports that Asian banks cost-to-income ratios have fast become the envy of the world, yet despite an extended period of strong performance by Australian banks, overall return on capital (ROC) is yet to match that of their Asian counterparts.

Singapore continues to represent the central financial hub for Asia, with banks such as DBS, OCBC and United Overseas Bank (UOB) actively investing more broadly across the region. This has resulted in an almost 50% increase in pre-tax profits in the past year alone, indicating highly capitalised banks are deploying their resources diligently.

Moves to deregulate financial markets in China are also viewed in a positive light. A small number of large banks coupled with hundreds of smaller banks dominate financial markets in most Asian countries.

The report finds that of the Australian banks, ANZ has exhibited the most commitment to the region however Commonwealth Bank, NAB and Westpac are following suit.

Although the number of banks competing for business is significantly higher in Asia, the recent trend of many European banks retreating from the region leaves a considerable opportunity for both local and international banks Several Asian banks are targeting further growth in Australia as the mining boom is replaced by a rapid home construction expansion. Asian lenders are strongly placed to extend lending facilities to Australian borrowers, as banks focus less on non-core wealth and investment functions, favouring traditional roles such as funding small business ventures and retail consumer finance.

Moves by the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA) to tighten home lending standards will place pressure on new entrants to compete on more than just price. Owner occupied housing growth is being consistently outweighed by self-managed superfunds and investors, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne.

Expansion into Asia does not fit these categories, with wealth management and trade finance offering excellent opportunities in an evolving financial markets landscape.

Australian banks have made significant steps to safeguard themselves from another financial crisis. Credit ratings agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) recently rated Australia’s banks amongst the safest in the world, based upon consistent reductions in impairments and bad debts. A low interest rate environment has also seen loan repayments increase.

Australian banks seeking ROC outcomes achieved by Asian banks are closely monitoring the success of the Shanghai free trade zone, presenting as an excellent opportunity to engage with businesses in the region more broadly.

An easing of Chinese capital controls is attractive to new entrants, however in many countries across Asia the unique challenge of competing with such a high number of individual banks will push their strategic positioning to new lengths.

Asian banks entering Australia are seeking the safe, confident and robust revenue streams that have made Australian banks such valuable propositions. The trade-off between stability and growth will continue to define the cross-over between Australian and Asian banks.

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